The Tesla Robotaxi crash many had anticipated has now happened—captured on video and causing concern among tech and automotive circles. A self-driving Tesla gently hit a parked Toyota Camry, highlighting serious questions about the vehicle’s autonomous capabilities.
The crash occurred on June 24, 2025. However, it only gained widespread attention when Tesla influencer “DirtyTesla” posted an updated video on July 2 confirming the incident. He had been testing Tesla’s Robotaxi service near a pizza place called Home Slice Pizza. The vehicle tried but failed to enter the parking lot and then ended the ride. As the rider exited, the car suddenly rolled forward and tapped the parked Camry with its front tire.
Initially, the influencer believed the safety driver had prevented the impact. But later footage showed otherwise. The Robotaxi turned its wheels without warning and moved straight toward the Toyota, stopping only after the tire contacted the door. It immediately activated its hazard lights and halted.
Though the Tesla Robotaxi crash caused no visible damage, the implications are bigger than the dent. Tesla removed ultrasonic sensors in 2022, relying instead on a vision-only system. This incident raises doubts about that choice. A modern vehicle should recognize and avoid parked objects with ease.
The crash is significant because it occurred so early in the Robotaxi pilot program. CEO Elon Musk previously claimed these cars would drive without anyone up front. In reality, early testers discovered a safety operator sat in the passenger seat, monitoring the ride.
Critics argue that this failure exposes cracks in Tesla’s self-driving strategy. While Waymo rolls out fully autonomous vehicles, Tesla struggles with basic object detection. A parked car should not be a challenge for a self-driving vehicle, especially one that’s part of a flagship program.
Supporters say Tesla will learn and adjust. After all, real-world tests often expose weaknesses that simulations miss. Still, with U.S. regulators already scrutinizing Tesla’s Full Self-Driving software, this small error could lead to bigger consequences.
The Tesla Robotaxi crash might seem minor, but it reflects a broader issue. The vision system either failed to detect a clear obstacle or couldn’t respond properly. That’s not a software quirk — it’s a major gap in situational awareness.
Tesla can certainly improve. But if such a basic collision occurs this early, it suggests more work lies ahead. As Tesla aims to lead the self-driving race, it must prove that its vehicles handle even the most straightforward situations.
